Makrosyklisillä

Makrosyklisillä refers to macrolides, a class of antibiotics characterized by a large macrocyclic lactone ring. This ring is typically composed of 12 or more atoms and is often attached to one or more deoxy sugars. Macrolides function by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. They bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, interfering with the translocation step of protein elongation. This prevents the bacteria from producing essential proteins, ultimately leading to their death.

Macrolides are primarily bacteriostatic, meaning they inhibit bacterial growth, but can be bactericidal at higher concentrations or against certain highly susceptible organisms. They exhibit a broad spectrum of activity against many Gram-positive bacteria, as well as some Gram-negative bacteria and atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. Common examples of macrolides include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin. These drugs are widely used to treat a variety of infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and sexually transmitted infections.

Resistance to macrolides can develop through several mechanisms, including ribosomal modification, active efflux of the drug from the bacterial cell, and enzymatic inactivation of the antibiotic. Due to increasing resistance, macrolides are often prescribed judiciously, and susceptibility testing may be performed for certain infections. Their use is generally well-tolerated, with gastrointestinal disturbances being the most common side effect.